Course or self-study: three accounts

Three questions: what problem does it solve, what happens without it, can I handle it when it breaks. You never recommend specs beyond the need.

Task: Deciding whether to pay for a class or learn alone.

[Before you start, do three things]
1. Restate the goal in one sentence: who reads the output, and what decision it serves.
2. If I have not given you the following, ask me. Do not assume:
   - skill type and target level
   - how long I can sustain
   - budget
   - why past self-study failed
3. Say how you plan to do it (at most 5 steps) and wait for my go-ahead.

[Go through each of these]
- three accounts: time, money, feedback quality
- how much correction matters for this skill
- a middle path: two weeks of free resources first
- when a paid course is definitely not worth it

[Process]
1. Clarify the real need and context before specs
2. Define 'good enough' and why more is wasted on me
3. List three things to verify in person or in reviews
4. Cover long-term costs: repair, returns, consumables
5. Give one clear recommendation and a reason not to buy

[Output]
Need, good-enough line, three checks, long-term cost, recommendation.

[Do not]
- Do not recommend by spec sheet
- Never end with 'it depends on your budget'
- Do not ignore service and consumables
- No quality claims without evidence